Chapter 16 Using the Cisco Unified Communication Wizard

Licensing Requirements for the Unified Communication Wizard

Using the ASA as a secure presence federation proxy, businesses can securely connect their Cisco Unified Presence (Cisco UP) servers to other Cisco or Microsoft Presence servers, enabling intra-enterprise communications. The security appliance terminates the TLS connectivity between the servers, and can inspect and apply policies for the SIP communications between the servers.

Cisco Intercompany Media Engine Proxy: Secure connectivity between Cisco UCM servers in different enterprises for IP Phone traffic

As more unified communications are deployed within enterprises, cases where business-to-business calls utilize unified communications on both sides with the Public Switched Network (PSTN) in the middle become increasingly common. All outside calls go over circuits to telephone providers and from there are delivered to all external destinations.

The Cisco Intercompany Media Engine (UC-IME) gradually creates dynamic, encrypted VoIP connections between businesses, so that a collection of enterprises that work together end up looking like one giant business with secure VoIP interconnections between them.

There are three components to a Cisco Intercompany Media Engine deployment within an enterprise: a Cisco Intercompany Media Engine server, a call agent (the Cisco Unified Communications Manager) and an ASA running the Cisco Intercompany Media Engine Proxy.

The ASA provides perimeter security by encrypting signaling connections between enterprises and preventing unauthorized calls. An ASA running the Cisco Intercompany Media Engine Proxy can either be deployed as an Internet firewall or be designated as a Cisco Intercompany Media Engine Proxy and placed in the DMZ, off the path of the regular Internet traffic.

Licensing Requirements for the Unified Communication Wizard

To run the Unified Communication Wizard in ASDM, you require the following license:

Model

 

License Requirement

 

 

 

 

 

All models

 

Base License

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

However, to run each of the Unified Communications proxy features created by the wizard, you must

 

 

 

 

have the appropriate Unified Communications Proxy licenses.

 

 

 

 

The Cisco Unified Communications proxy features supported by the ASA require a Unified

 

 

 

 

Communications Proxy license:

 

 

 

 

 

•

Cisco Phone Proxy

 

 

 

 

 

• TLS proxy for encrypted voice inspection

 

 

 

 

 

•

Presence Federation Proxy

 

 

 

 

 

• Cisco Intercompany Media Engine Proxy

 

 

 

 

See Licensing for Cisco Unified Communications Proxy Features, page 15-4for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note

The Cisco Intercompany Media Engine Proxy does not appear as an option in the Unified

 

 

 

 

Communication Wizard unless the license required for this proxy is installed on the ASA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cisco ASA Series Firewall ASDM Configuration Guide

16-3

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Cisco Systems ASA 5585-X, ASA 5505, ASA 5545-X, ASA 5555-X Licensing Requirements for the Unified Communication Wizard, 16-3
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ASA Services Module, ASA 5555-X, ASA 5545-X, ASA 5585-X, ASA 5580 specifications

Cisco Systems has long been a leader in the field of network security, and its Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) series is a testament to this expertise. Within the ASA lineup, models such as the ASA 5505, ASA 5580, ASA 5585-X, ASA 5545-X, and ASA 5555-X stand out for their unique features, capabilities, and technological advancements.

The Cisco ASA 5505 is designed for small businesses or branch offices. It provides essential security features such as firewall protection, flexible VPN capabilities, and intrusion prevention. The ASA 5505 supports a user-friendly interface, allowing for straightforward management. Its built-in threat detection and prevention tools provide a layered defense, and with scalability in mind, it can accommodate various expansion options as organizational needs grow.

Moving up the line, the ASA 5580 delivers greater throughput and advanced security features. This model is suited for medium to large enterprises that require robust protection against increasingly sophisticated threats. Its multi-core architecture allows it to manage high volumes of traffic seamlessly while maintaining excellent performance levels. The ASA 5580 also supports application-layer security and customizable access policies, making it highly adaptable to diverse security environments.

The ASA 5585-X further enhances Cisco's security offerings with advanced malware protection and extensive security intelligence capabilities. It incorporates next-generation firewall features, including context-aware security, and supports advanced threat detection technologies. This model is ideal for large enterprises or data centers that prioritize security while ensuring uninterrupted network performance and availability.

For enterprises requiring a balance of performance and security, the ASA 5545-X presents a compelling option. This model features scalable performance metrics, high availability, and integrated advanced threat protection. Coupled with advanced endpoint protection and detailed monitoring capabilities, the ASA 5545-X enables organizations to manage their security posture effectively.

Lastly, the ASA 5555-X blends cutting-edge technologies with strong security infrastructures. It boasts high throughput and the ability to execute deep packet inspections. Its sophisticated architecture supports threat intelligence feeds that provide real-time security updates, making it a powerful tool against modern threats.

Each of these Cisco ASA models brings specific advantages to varied environments. Their integrative capabilities enable businesses to enhance their security postures while benefiting from seamless scalability and management. As cybersecurity threats evolve, these advanced appliances play a vital role in protecting valuable digital assets.
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